Break out compound paths

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to break a compound path by releasing it, turning each of its subpaths into independent paths in Adobe InDesign.

Release a compound path to separate it into editable shapes. The released shapes retain the current fill and stroke settings.

Open the document that contains the compound path.

Select the compound path using the Selection tool.

Go to Object > Paths > Release Compound Path.

Note

The Release Compound Path command is unavailable when the selected compound path is contained inside a frame or when the path contains text.